The PROMISE JOBS program provides work and training services to FIP participants. Family Investment Program (FIP) is Iowa's cash assistance program under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant.
Iowa HHS contracts with Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) to provide PROMoting Independence and Self-sufficiency through Employment, Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (PROMISE JOBS) services for most FIP participants. This program provides work and training services for people in families receiving FIP cash assistance.
The program also pays child care expenses for people participating in these activities and transportation for people in activities other than paid work.
Family Investment Agreement (FIA)
All work eligible FIP participants must have a Family Investment Agreement (FIA). The FIA is an individualized agreement between the FIP client and the state of Iowa that outlines the family's needs, the services to be provided by PROMISE JOBS, the actions the family will take, and the time frames to be met by the family so that the family can become economically self-supporting. Since this is a FIP eligibility requirement, a family must meet with PROMISE JOBS and develop an FIA before they can start receiving FIP. Continued eligibility for FIP is contingent upon the family following the steps in their FIA and failure to comply may result in a loss of FIP.
PROMISE JOBS FIA activities may include but are not limited to:
- Assessment
- Job readiness and job-seeking skills training
- Employment
- Basic education (high school completion, high school equivalency, and ESL), post-secondary education (short-term training and AA, BA, and BS programs)
- Work experience
- Community service
- Family Development and Self-Sufficiency (FaDSS) program participation and other family development services, and parenting skills training.
Support Services
Supportive services provided by PROMISE JOBS include case management and the payment of child care and transportation needed to participate in certain FIA activities. PROMISE JOBS may also provide assistance with direct education costs, such as tuition for basic education and short-term training.
Rights: You have the right to ask for an appeal if you disagree with a decision Iowa HHS makes. You have the right to ask for an exception to policy for an item or service not otherwise covered by Iowa HHS.